The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) honoured the exceptional achievements of its students in the professional organisation’s global examinations during ICAEW’s recent Celebrating Excellence 2023 ceremony.
The event also showcased the dedication of renowned business leaders, who are also ICAEW chartered accountants, in giving back to the profession and supporting the growth of future chartered accountants.
The prestigious ICAEW Malaysia Prizes by the patrons for Advanced and Professional Level exams, accompanied by commemorative 24k gold medals, were contributed to a trust managed by the ICAEW Members’ Society Malaysian Chapter. Patrons to the trust include the late Tan Sri Azlan Zainol (former CEO of EPF Board and Chairman of MBSB), Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Abdul Wahid Omar (Chairman of Bursa Malaysia), Datuk Ali Abdul Kadir (former Chairman of the Securities Commission) Foo San Kan (former Chairman of the Audit Committee, and OSK Holdings), Tan Sri Dato’ Hanafiah Hussain (who established FELDA, FAMA and Tabung Haji), Dato’ Mohd. Faiz Azmi (former Executive Chairman of PwC Malaysia and ICAEW Council Member), Dato’ Gan Ah Tee (Managing Partner of BDO in Malaysia), Dato’ Narendra Jasani (Chairman of Grant Thornton Malaysia), and Mr. Bingley Sim (Managing Director of CIMB).
Authorised Training Employers (ATEs), and partners-in-learning were also present to celebrate Malaysian students who achieved the highest scores in the ICAEW Advanced, Professional Level and CFAB exams.
These exceptional students, along with those who completed externally moderated degrees at leading universities, were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments.
Among the recognised students were top performers studying at ICAEW’s partner institutions, including Sunway TES, University of Reading Malaysia, Kolej Profesional MARA Beranang Selangor, and INTEC Education College who began their journey toward becoming chartered accountants through the ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting & Business (CFAB).
Notably, the Advanced Level winners, who are fully employed at ICAEW’s ATEs, demonstrated exceptional abilities in balancing work and studies, with support from their employers at Genting, PwC Malaysia, and EY Malaysia. Additionally, the top-scoring students in the Professional Level exams also received the ICAEW Malaysia Prizes and 24k gold medals.
The support and training provided by ATEs for the winners of this category, including EY Malaysia, PwC Malaysia, Deloitte Malaysia, and Bank Negara Malaysia, were recognized as instrumental in the students’ success.
The event also highlighted the collaboration between ICAEW and esteemed universities in Malaysia, such as Universiti Malaya, Universiti Sains Malaysia, and Multimedia University, which have integrated the ICAEW syllabus into their accounting degree programs.
By doing so, graduates are well-prepared to complete the final three ICAEW Advanced Level exams and become future chartered accountants. The outstanding achievements of 18 students who excelled in externally moderated strategic credits exams were commended.
Bonnie Tham, Chairperson of the ICAEW Members’ Society Malaysian Chapter, expressed her gratitude to the patrons for their sponsorship and emphasised the invaluable contribution of community and mentorship in the journey of becoming a chartered accountant.
She commended all student members for their achievements and highlighted the extensive support provided by the ICAEW Members’ Society, including access to the latest developments, thought leadership, and guidance in various areas of interest.
“We extend our congratulations to all the award winners and express our gratitude to the patrons, employers, institutions, and individuals who have generously supported ICAEW’s initiatives to promote excellence and support the growth of future chartered accountants,” commented Tham.
“Through our collaborative efforts, ICAEW will strive to continue providing students and members with the resources, support, and connections needed to excel in their careers.”
Tan Sri Dato’ Hanafiah Hussain, currently 99 years old and the first Malay chartered accountant in Malaysia, also gave very sound advice to the students after presenting the Tan Sri Dato’ Hanafiah Hussain Prize for Case Study, “It is all part and parcel of the development of a person. Be honest and purposeful, and always maintain a high sense of purpose and integrity.”
